What We Do

The Royal Canadian Institute (RCI) for the Advancement of Science is the oldest scientific society in Canada.  This not-for-profit organization was founded in Toronto in 1849 by a small group of civil engineers, architects and surveyors led by Sandford Fleming (1827-1915).  By its Royal Charter of Incorporation, granted on 4 November 1851, the RCI was charged with the “encouragement and general advancement of the Physical Sciences, the Arts and Manufactures...and more particularly for promoting...Surveying, Engineering and Architecture...”

Today, the RCI fulfils its mission of enhancing public awareness about science in several ways, although it is best known for its public lectures, held on Sunday afternoons in the fall and winter at the University of Toronto.  The speakers come from many scientific disciplines, and audience participation is encouraged through a question period and opportunity for discussion with the speaker after the lectures.  Membership in the RCI is open to anyone.